In 2025, gelato is no longer just a creamy treat — it’s emerging as a high-fashion, health-conscious dessert thanks to a wave of innovation in plant-based and functional ingredients. Traditional dairy gelato is being replaced by versions made with oat, almond, coconut, or cashew milk — delivering the same smooth texture but without lactose or…
In 2025, the beverage world is undergoing a noticeable transformation — and at the forefront of this shift are craft mocktails and functional non-alcoholic drinks. As many consumers increasingly prioritise wellness over indulgence, drink-makers are responding with sophisticated options that blend flavour, health, and social experience. Ready-to-drink (RTD) mocktails, alcohol-free spirits, and botanical sodas are…
Berries — from blueberries and raspberries to blackcurrants and elderberries — are nutritional powerhouses that deliver more than just fresh flavour. Packed with vitamins (like vitamin C and K), dietary fiber, and a variety of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, berries offer potent antioxidant, anti‑inflammatory, and protective effects for overall health. Research suggests…
Kombucha, a centuries-old fermented tea, is experiencing a modern resurgence as one of the most trusted functional beverages. Made by fermenting sweetened tea with a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), kombucha is now valued not just for its tangy, effervescent flavor but also for its scientifically backed health benefits. Research shows it’s rich…
Okonomiyaki, often described as a Japanese savory pancake, has become one of the most iconic street foods in Japan, especially in Osaka and Hiroshima. Its name translates to “grill what you like,” reflecting the dish’s flexible and customizable nature. Made with cabbage, batter, meat or seafood, and topped with a rich sauce, mayonnaise, and dried…
If you’re looking for an appetizer that’s both hearty and health-conscious, smoky paprika chickpea croquettes are a standout choice. Made from mashed chickpeas blended with aromatic smoked paprika, garlic, and finely chopped onions, these golden fritters deliver a satisfying crunch when pan-fried or baked. A simple lemon-garlic aioli serves as a zesty dipping sauce, tying…
Hōjicha is a unique type of Japanese green tea distinguished by its roasting process, which gives it a warm, toasty flavor and a reddish-brown color. Unlike traditional green teas, hōjicha is roasted at high temperatures, which reduces its caffeine content and produces a gentle, nutty aroma. From my experience, sipping a cup of hōjicha in…
Detroit-style pizza is more than a novelty—it’s a bold, cheese-forward innovation that has secured its place in America’s pizza hall of fame. Originating in the 1940s in Detroit’s motor-city kitchens, this pie is baked in a rectangular, steel-walled pan (originally car-part trays), creating a thick crust with crispy, caramelized edges. This unique caramelization comes from…
The Vietnamese dish Bánh Xèo is not only a culinary standout but a vibrant example of culture, technique and flavor coming together. Named for the sizzle it makes when its turmeric-tinged rice batter hits the hot pan, bánh xèo has evolved from street-food favorite into an internationally beloved appetizer. Its hallmark is the crisp outer…
The drink known as kumis (also spelled koumiss or kymyz) is a time‑honoured fermented beverage made from mare’s milk, originating with the nomadic tribes of Central Asia. For centuries, places like Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have relied on kumis not only as a staple drink but as a cultural symbol—served to guests, used in rituals…
